Genetics

Question 1

List some of the common psychiatric symptoms of Huntington’s

Answer 1

Depression and anxiety - common first signs 
Compulsions 
Psychosis 
Blunted affect 
Aggression and behavioural disturbance 
Suicidality

Question 2

List the common cognitive symptoms of Huntington’s

Answer 2

Decline in executive function
Short and long term memory deficits
Dementia = progressive decline

Question 3

List the common motor symptoms of Huntington’s

Answer 3

Choreiform movements - brief irregular non-repetitive movements, dance like
Rigidity
Writhing movements
Gait disturbance
Problems chewing/swallowing/speaking
All actions requiring muscle control become impaired

Question 4

What causes Huntington’s

Answer 4

Mutation in the Huntington’s gene which leads to CAG repeats
This encodes poly-glutamines
This has a toxic affect on cells and leads to neuronal loss

Question 5

What is meant by anticipation in Huntington’s disease

Answer 5

Age that the patient’s are affected gets earlier with each generation
Number of repeats increased each time (gets larger with male transmission)

Question 6

Describe the progression of Huntington’s

Answer 6

Usually asymptomatic until adulthood
Slow onset neurological and psychological symptoms
Currently irreversible and unstoppable

Question 7

What is dementia

Answer 7

It is a progressive decline in global cognitive ability
Can also get behavioural symptoms
Irreversible

Question 8

Is bipolar inherited genetically

Answer 8

It can be
High recurrence in twins which suggests genetic link
Family history suggest a higher risk